I WENT along to meet the guys at Autoquake today, in particular co-founder Fredrik Skantze.

Autoquake is an interesting operation. It was founded in mid 2005. Over three years its turnover has grown from £2m to £60m. So what’s the appeal to drive such growth?

It’s a combination, really, of the simplicity of the offer and the warmth of the website. The cars are all sourced from leasing companies. Autoquake provides any refurbishment; and then puts them up on its website with full history and pictures. “We sell the cars for about a £1000 less than you would pay in a dealership,” says Fredrik.

You can place a refundable deposit to reserve a car; and there’s even a seven day moneyback guarantee once you’ve bought it. Fredrik says some people do return the car, but the number is very few. The reasons? It develops a fault; the partner doesn’t like the car; or it might be something practical such as the buggy not fitting in the boot – “but you can return the car with any reason you like!” says Fredrik.

It strikes me this is an interesting way to source a used business car. Sure, it’s not as cheap as a car auction if you want ultimate value; but for a secure purchase from the comfort of your office, it seems a pretty handy way to buy a used business car. There’s even finance on the site.

I asked Fredrik what cars were popular with buyers – and the profile fits very much with Business Car Manager readers, judging by what you click on most: Ford Focus; VW Golf; BMW 1-Series; large estate cars such as the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6 Avant – “a diesel auto premium estate with leather is very popular,” says Fredrik, adding: “I think the Audi A5 coupe will fly out once we can get our hands on one.”

However, the site isn’t just a collection of hyperlinks in the electronic ether of the world wide web. There are physical sites where you can make an appointment with a customer support adviser and see the cars in the metal.

Last year Autoquake sold 7600 cars; in 2010 Fredrik reckons they will sell 11,000; and in five years time the plan is for a 100,000 cars. With new chief exec Dermot Halpin on board – formerly with Expedia – the company clearly has ambitious plans.

Finally, before I left, I asked Fredrik why the company was called Autoquake. “Because,” came back the reply, “we want to shake up the used car market.”

Business Car Manager: Editor’s Blog